Burnt Hill

The walk up Burnt Hill takes you out of Lochwinnoch with proper views across the Lowlands - nothing dramatic, but solid walking country. It's not a slog, maybe 45 minutes to the top depending on your pace, and the summit rewards you with sight lines all the way to the Clyde Valley on a clear day.

The peak itself is open moorland, which means wind. Always windy. Bring a windproof or you'll regret it halfway up. The terrain underfoot is rough grass and heather, boggy in places after rain, so decent boots matter. From up there you can pick out Castle Semple Loch below and, if you're lucky with the weather, further peaks beyond.

This is proper walker territory rather than a family afternoon jaunt. Kids will manage the ascent fine, but there's nothing at the summit to hold their attention - no café, no views of anything obviously exciting. Adults who like solitude and open moorland will get more from it. History types won't find much either; it's a natural summit, not archaeological.

Free to visit, naturally - it's open access land. Allow two hours for the round trip if you're not rushing. Lochwinnoch itself is only small, but The Pods at Auchenhean makes a decent base if you're planning a few days in the area. The walk fits nicely into a Renfrewshire loop, though frankly you'd want a few other spots lined up to make a full holiday of it.